"Secretary Mike Pompeo today decided to impose US visa restrictions on individuals responsible for human rights abuses or undermining democracy in Nicaragua," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said.
The new limitation has been imposed against Nicaragua’s National Police, Ministry of Health and local officials, specifically those directing and overseeing violence against peaceful protesters.
READ MORE: New Wave of Violent Protests in Nicaragua Leaves 2 Killed, 50 Wounded — Reports
At least 127 people have died in Nicaragua in protests since April 18 triggered by President Daniel Ortega’s unpopular plan to overhaul the social security system. He scrapped the reform but demonstrations went on.
Various international organizations and rights groups, including the UN agencies, have expressed their concern about the continuing violence and casualties in Nicaragua.
